Newcomers, chapter 1

Parkston sits enclosed behind a high perimeter fence, its boundary curving around the town like a shell. A lone gate breaks the fence.

Living in my town was like living in an egg.The town hated anything outside itself.My parents called daily and kept a key to my house.

Ivy heads away from town as several neighbors pause to question her. She keeps walking, carrying herself with practiced impatience.

Where are you going,Ivy?Are you sure you haveeverything you need,Ivy?I was forced to attend collegehere, and they came in uninvited.

The Parkston Cafe stands at the town's heart, its front windows opening onto a familiar, welcoming interior.

The Parkston Cafe was named afterDaniel Parkston, like the town.

Ivy sits down across from Mariah at their table. Mariah greets her brightly, and Ivy waves back with a smile.

Hey Girl!

Caleb approaches their table as their waiter, familiar with both women. Ivy keeps her attention on Mariah while Caleb addresses them.

You don't even know!Hello Ivy, Mariah.Hello Caleb.

Ivy gives Caleb a deliberately polite smile while he stands beside the table, amused by his own joke.

I'll take an iced tea with extra ice, thanks.Makes sense you want extra ice since you need it tofuel that frozen heart of yours. And for you,Mariah?

The friends sit together at the table, their amusement settling into a shared, rueful quiet.

I'll have what she'shaving.So yeah, I've got thelate shift tonight.You better prepare then.

Ivy asks Mariah about her work as Caleb returns with their drinks. Mariah gestures in frustration while Caleb pulls up a chair beside them.

How's your job going?What job?Every time I get a jobmy parents get me out ofit and then magically aspot opens up in theirshop. They think I don'tnotice a pattern.

Caleb takes the chair beside their table and checks his watch. Ivy rolls her eyes at him.

Don't you have work to do?My lunch break just started.

Caleb leans toward Mariah with a hopeful wink as he offers her a place at the cafe. Ivy watches him from beside her friend.

Mariah, a few spots opened up here. My dad owns thecafe;if you want the job, I'll make sure your parentscan't get you removed from it.

Mariah fixes Caleb with an angry look. Caleb's smile fades as he hesitates; Ivy and Mariah react with startled expressions to his answer.

Were you listening to our conversation?I just overheard what you were saying and I canrelate. My dad used to do that until I justsurrendered and started working here.

Caleb gestures toward the city as he talks, then begins to explain what he would like to do. His father calls from the cafe counter, cutting him off.

What? You think I want to work here? I want to workin the city like you do.If you were to work in the city, what would youwant to do?Well, I'd love to be able to—

Caleb's hopeful expression is gone as he rises from the table to return to work. Mariah turns aside to answer a call while Ivy watches her.

Lousy good-for-nothing children!Well, duty calls.

Mariah ends her call and faces Ivy, trying to hide her irritation as she explains why she has to leave. Ivy studies her friend's expression.

Okay, fine, see you soon.So sorry! My mom needs me to help out at her shop.Another spot had magically opened at her parents' shop.

Chapter 1